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Monthly Wrap-Up: June

It's been a while since I sat down to write a wrap-up of the month; possibly because it would have consisted of me only talking about the amount of revision I had. But, June saw the end of exams until the next school year, and the return of me requesting multiple review books within the first few days of them finishing. I also won my first national writing-award this month - and interviewed a member of the Royal Family - something I still haven't recovered from.

Last year, I wrote about my first visit to London, where I went to a competition final at the Royal Society. Sadly, I didn't take home the award, but decided to re-enter this year; spending the weeks after anxiously anticipating some news. I was so shocked when it did come through that my hands were shaking - and I was screaming. I'd been chosen as a finalist in the Journalism Category for a second time, where last year we had infamously heckled Stephen Fry within moments of arriving in the city. After a five hour journey, I was desperate to win, especially since we had planned for it to take three.

Arriving two hours late, I was taken straight up into the Meeting Room, where an editorial meeting was taking place. I was told, then, that I was going to be interviewing Prince Andrew - the Duke of York - in twenty minutes, with my fellow-finalists. I didn't know what to say. The previous night I had managed around four and a half hours sleep and I was still yet to eat that day. All I could do was quickly scoff half a cereal bar, attempt to tidy myself up by tucking in my school polo shirt and frantically text everyone on my contact list; repeating my question constantly to make sure I wouldn't slip up. The camera was brought in, a huge microphone was hung over our heads and a crowd of people stood watching, telling us to keep smiling.

I was shocked that I managed to actually say my question. But, I didn't hear the answer. I kept nodding. I kept smiling. I kept reminding myself that this was a member of the Royal Family, one that I had seen on TV the week before, and I would never get to do something like this again.

Whilst trying to eat around the pickle in my sandwich during lunch - the bane of any vegetarian's existence - I decided to write about the future of healthcare for my final entry, as the awards are generally based on science and technology. In the next hour and a half, I managed to: tackle TV presenter Dallas Campbell on a staircase and interview him, follow James May from Top Gear for five minutes(hoping he would turn around and talk to me) and upload my finished article. I also had to avoid Stephen Fry who had arrived. By the time the awards ceremony came around, I was a nervous-wreck. I was so scared of losing. This only became worse as more results were announced, Journalism being one of the last, and I saw the silver card being opened. But, I WON! And it was the proudest moment. Somehow, I managed to make my way to the stage without falling like I thought I would and smile for a picture, before returning to my seat to find my teacher sobbing. Soon, I was too.

We bought twenty-four doughnuts to celebrate on the way home.

In June, I only managed to read two books and start another, which is extremely disappointing for me. I'm behind on my reading challenge, but hopefully I can catch up over summer!

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - I simply loved this novel. It's had such a huge impact on how I feel towards classics, whether they're by a US or UK author, and definitely hit-hard with the strong themes included - such as racism and sexism. I wrote a whole post about my thoughts HERE.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - There is quite a contrast between the two books I read this month, but I adored them both. Fangirl was such a heart-warming read, and one I found absolutely addicting. It was almost a perfect YA Contemporary.

I'm also rather behind on my reading challenge - really hoping I can catch up! June seems like it was an AMAZING month for you! Congrats on winning such an awesome award! AND YOU INTERVIEWED A MEMBER OF THE ROYAL FAMILY?! WUT?! That's AMAZING!

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About me

Hi! My name is Sophie, and I'm 15! I run the book-blog 'A Day Dreamer's World', and when I'm not planning blog posts, you can find me reading(a lot!), writing, or cooking. I also love listening to music, watching films, procrastinating my time on Twitter and drinking tea! I'm a huge fan of The Hunger Games, and a member of Nerdfighteria. May the odds be ever in your favour!

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